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40,187 micro-enterprises formed through Kudumbashree SVEP Project: Livelihood for half a lakh women in rural areas

40,187 micro-enterprises have been formed through the SVEP (Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme) project implemented in the state through Kudumbashree to develop women entrepreneurship in rural areas. The aim of the project is to provide a better livelihood for NHG members. Currently, about fifty thousand women have access to a better livelihood.

The project is being implemented in 33 of the 43 blocks in the state that have been approved for the project. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the National Rural Livelihood Mission. The scheme also provided loan assistance of Rs. 117.93 crores to 28,705 enterprises under the Community Enterprise Fund. The scheme is also helping in local economic development along with ensuring better income generation for NHG women.

In 2017, SVEP, the centrally sponsored micro enterprise development scheme was launched in two blocks, in Vadavukode of Ernakulam district and Parakkode of Pathanamthitta district. Subsequently, Kudumbashree obtained central approval to run the scheme in more blocks based on its performance.

The scheme promotes the formation of small enterprises for NHG women and the production of quality and value-added products. Kudumbashree also provide support for product marketing.

As part of the SVEP, a BNSEP (Block Nodal Society for Enterprise Promotion) is functioning in each block, consisting of the CDS Chairpersons and Micro Enterprise Sub-Committee Conveners under the respective block. The BNSEP evaluates the applications received as part of the project and provides guidance and other support to Kudumbashree members and non-members entering the entrepreneurial sector.

The entrepreneurs will be provided with the necessary support for project report preparation, job skill training, bank loans, product marketing, branding, and financial support available through the schemes of Kudumbashree and various departments through Kudumbashree Micro Enterprise Consultants in BNSEP. Block Resource Centre (BRC) offices have also been formed and started functioning in each SVEP block for this purpose.

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40,187 micro-enterprises formed through Kudumbashree SVEP Project: Livelihood for half a lakh women in rural areas

2167 people found their livelihood through Kudumbashree 'Prathyasha' Project for the marginalized

The Prathyasha project implemented in the state through Kudumbashree for those belonging to the marginalized community who deserve special consideration has helped 2,167 people. Of these, 56 people belong to the transgender community. Apart from these, the project is being implemented as part of helping the differently abled, the elderly and those who have been subjected to domestic violence achieve self-sufficiency.

As part of this, Kudumbashree has supported a total of 2,037 micro-enterprises in the sectors of tailoring, food processing, cloth bags, paper pen manufacturing and catering. 19 micro enterprises have also been started in the state by transgender people.

Prathyasha is a scheme launched by Kudumbashree to help the poor who face many challenges in life find ways to earn a living. Through the scheme, beneficiaries are provided with financial assistance of Rs. 50,000 to start individual self-employment enterprises and up to a maximum of Rs. 2,50,000 for group enterprises as Startup Fund. Kudumbashree provides job skills training, financial assistance including subsidies, and ongoing support to start and grow businesses.

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2167 people found their livelihood through Kudumbashree 'Prathyasha' Project for the marginalized en

Kudumbashree Micro Enterprise Resource Centres become active in the state as Local Employment Centres

Kudumbashree Micro Enterprise Resource Centres (MERCs) have become active at the block level by providing employment to NHG women. The MERCs aim to provide support including financial assistance and technical training along with increasing employment and income opportunities.

Currently, MERCs are operating in 29 blocks across thirteen districts. They provide support to both existing and new enterprises. MERCs are Kudumbashree’s local employment centres that coordinate livelihood activities for NHG members at the block level. The MERCs aim to expand Kudumbashree micro-enterprises and develop local economies.

They provide assistance to NHG members to obtain wage-based employment, encourage innovative ideas for startups, and provide support for product marketing. They also provide employment to NHG members by organizing job fairs. The formation of consortium of enterprises at the regional level is also a notable achievement. The project is also very helpful for Kudumbashree Auxiliary Group members.

There are systems such as call centres and help desks to improve the functioning of MERCs. MERCs work as a connecting factor between the District Missions and CDSs. Non-Kudumbashree members can also get guidance for starting enterprises through MERCs. Funds have been allocated from the National Rural Livelihood Mission project allocation to each district for the establishment of MERCs and related activities.

This amount will be utilized for office renovation, preparation of detailed project report, working capital, infrastructure development, machinery and other equipment. The Micro Enterprise Consultants under Kudumbashree CDSs are responsible for the management of MERC.

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Kudumbashree Micro Enterprise Resource Centres become active in the state as Local Employment Centresen

K-TAP: Kudumbashree and Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Tuber Crops Research Centre sign MoU for 12 state -of-the-art agricultural technologies

Kudumbashree and Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Tuber Crops Research Centre (ICAR-CTCRI) have signed a MoU for providing 12 state-of-the-art technologies in tuber cultivation. The MoU was signed by H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director for Kudumbashree and Dr. G. Baiju Director for ICAR - CTCRI at a function organized yesterday (09-05-2025) at the Central Potato Research Centre, Sreekaryam, Thiruvananthapuram.

This is the first MoU for the transfer of technologies as part of K-TAP (Kudumbashree Technology Advancement Programme), which is designed to guide lakhs of NHG members who earn their livelihood from agriculture as part of Kudumbashree, to modern science and technology-based farming methods and sustainable income generation. According to this, Kudumbashree will receive 12 technologies focused on value addition and food processing from tuber crops. The technologies will be provided for preparing various dishes such as cookies, kulfi, muffins, snacks, pasta, jelly, etc. using tapioca and sweet potatoes.

In the coming weeks, Kudumbashree aims to acquire technologies from seven other leading agricultural technology research institutes in India, prepare a knowledge base of a total of 180 technologies, and launch products using these technologies by Onam, said H. Dineshan, IAS, in his keynote address. Activities to provide training focused on these technologies to selected NHG members will also begin soon. The objective of the K-TAP project is to provide better employment opportunities to women by making progress in all aspects of agriculture, starting from production, value-added product manufacturing, processing and marketing, through the use of innovative technologies in agriculture and allied sectors. Currently, 4,32,667 women in 94,594 farmer groups under Kudumbashree are engaged in various types of agriculture on more than 20,000 hectares across the state. There are also producer groups, agricultural enterprises and farmer producer companies. K-TAP technology will be used to strengthen the livelihood activities of these women farmers. The use of these technologies for processing of agricultural products, value addition of small grains, organic production methods, smart farming, eco-friendly packaging, branding, and licensing will lead to expansion and increase in income of existing enterprises.

The MoU signing ceremony was presided over by Dr. G. Baiju, Director, ICAR-CTCRI. In his presidential address, he said that all the programmes in collaboration with Kudumbashree will be effectively reached to the grassroots and completed successfully. Dr. S. Shanavas, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree explained the project. Ramesh. G, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram District Mission, Dr. M.S. Sajeev (Principal Scientist, ICAR - CTCRI) spoke. Dr. P.S. Sivakumar (Principal Scientist, ICAR - CTCRI) welcomed the gathering

and Dr. T. Krishnakumar (Scientist, ICAR - CTCRI) delivered the vote of thanks. Representatives of Kudumbashree State and District Missions and ICAR - CTCRI also attended the function.

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K-TAP: Kudumbashree and Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Tuber Crops Research Centre sign MoU for 12 state -of-the-art agricultural technologies

Food, Nutrition, Health, Water and Sanitation for Women and Children: Kudumbashree FNHW Project with Remarkable Activities

The FNHW project implemented by Kudumbashree to ensure better access to nutrition, health, sanitation and drinking water for women and children is becoming notable in the state. The aim of the project is to create awareness among the 48 lakh members under Kudumbashree. As part of this, more than 42 lakh NHGs were visited and awareness was created among pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls and the elderly about menstrual hygiene and the importance of nutrition for women.

The project was launched in Attappady in 2015. Later it was expanded to all districts. Activities are being carried out in Kudumbashree CDSs and ADSs, focusing on NHG members and children. Already 791 food fairs, 27 medical camps, 1,112 nutrition fairs and micro green farming have been organized as part of providing nutrition awareness.

As part of giving special emphasis to the implementation of the project in the Scheduled Tribes area, an 'Osra' Awareness Campaign was also organized. The 'Shraddha' Cancer Awareness Campaign organized in Ambalappuzha and Aryad blocks of Alappuzha district attracted a lot of attention through the initial check-up and awareness camp for 2,243 Kudumbashree members.

Kudumbashree also ensures the cooperation of various departments and international organizations to make the project activities more efficient. As part of this, the 'Poshan Maa' Campaign was organized in 387 CDSs in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development, and training was organized for 1,732 Resource Persons selected as part of the FNHW project in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme.

The Happy Keralam Project is also being implemented in 154 selected Model CDSs in the state to increase the happiness index of families.

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Food, Nutrition, Health, Water and Sanitation for Women and Children: Kudumbashree FNHW Project with Remarkable Activities

1190 people get jobs through Kudumbashree Initiative for Business Solutions (KIBS)

1190 people got jobs in the state through Kudumbashree Initiative for Business Solutions (KIBS). The aim of the project is to ensure sustainable income generation by providing employment to skilled women in government, semi-government, public sector and private institutions in urban areas. Currently, out of the 1,190 people who got jobs, 1,060 are women. This includes 14 transgenders and 116 men.

KIBS is headquartered in Ernakulam under the leadership of the Kudumbashree State Mission. KIBS was formed under the Travancore Cochin Scientific Charitable Society Act. KIBS is a facility management centre that provides employees to institutions operating in various fields. 585 Kudumbashree women working in all 24 stations of the Kochi Rail Metro have also found prestigious jobs through KIBS. Their services are in the categories of housekeeping, ticketing, customer care service, help desk, customer facilitation service, gardening-vegetable garden construction, kitchen, canteen and parking. Transgender people in Kochi Metro have also been able to get jobs through KIBS.

After Kochi Rail Metro, thirty of the people who have been appointed for housekeeping and ticketing jobs in Kochi Water Metro are Kudumbashree women. They also got jobs through KIBS. Those who get jobs in various government, semi-government, public sector institutions and universities through KIBS are assured of government-approved wages and benefits like ESI, Provident Fund, and gratuity.

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1190 people get jobs through Kudumbashree Initiative for Business Solutions (KIBS) en

Kudumbashree Awards 2025: State Level Awards Announced

Kudumbashree Awards 2025 -State Level Awards were announced by M. B Rajesh, Minister, Local Self Government Department, Excise Department and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Kerala during the Press Meet held in Thiruvananthapuram on 7 May 2025. The Kudumbashree Award 2025 is constituted as part of intensifying Kudumbashree project activities and honoring excellent and notable achievements. The awards will be distributed on 17 May 2025 in connection with Kudumbashree Day. The award winners will receive a cash award, a certificate and a memento.

Awards are given in a total of 17 categories viz., Best NHG, Best ADS, Best Ooru Samithi, Best Enterprise Group, Best Entrepreneur, Best BUDS Institution, Best Gender Resource Centre, Best Auxiliary Group, Best Auxiliary Enterprise, Best Snehitha Gender Help Desk, District that has carried out the Best Public Relations Activities, Best District Mission, as well as Best CDS (Convergence Activities, Unique Activities, Administration-Microfinance Activities), Best CDS (Agriculture Sector, Animal Husbandry), Best CDS (Social Development, Gender), Best CDS (Tribal Activities), Best CDS (Micro Enterprise, DDU-GKY, K-DISC). Although awards have been given to outstanding CDSs before, this is the first time that Kudumbashree is recognizing excellence in such categories.

The details of State Level Award Winners are as follows:

1. Best NHG

First Place: Pournami NHG, Sulthan Bathery CDS, Wayanad

Second Place: Bhagyashree NHG, Sreekrishnapuram CDS, Palakkad

Third Place: Aswathy NHG, Thiruvaniyoor CDS, Ernakulam

2. Best ADS

First Place: Thichur ADS, Varavoor CDS, Thrissur

Second Place: Punnamparambu ADS, Sreekrishnapuram CDS, Palakkad

Third Place: Mattara ADS, Ulikkal CDS, Kannur

3. Best Auxiliary Group

First Place: Dhwani Auxiliary Group, Sulthan Bathery CDS, Wayanad

Second Place: Punarjani Auxiliary Group, Porkulam CDS, Thrissur

Third Place: Wings of Fire Auxiliary Group, Tiruvallur CDS, Kozhikode

Vaibhavam Auxiliary Group, Haripad CDS, Alappuzha

4. Best Ooru Samithi

First Place: Daivagund/Jellippara Oorusamithi, Agali Panchayath Samithi, Palakkad

Second Place: Sthreesakthi Oorusamithi, Thirunelly CDS, Wayanad

5. Best Enterprise Group

First Place: Sanjeevani Nutrimix, Thazhekad CDS, Malappuram

Second Place: Aishwarya Sree Amrutham Foods, Thirumittakode CDS, Palakkad

Third Place: Nanma Food Processing Unit, Pozhuthana CDS, Wayanad

6. Best Entrepreneur

First Place: Ms. Shareefa, Malappuram Municipality CDS 2, Malappuram

Second Place: Ms. Eliyamma Philip. Panathady CDS, Kasaragod

Third Place: Ms. Sandhya J, Pulimath CDS, Thiruvananthapuram

7.Best Auxiliary Group Enterprise

First Place: Team Gramam, Poothadi CDS, Wayanad

Second Place: One 18, Varavoor CDS, Thrissur

Third Place: AG's Aranyakam Home Stay & Cafe, Amarambalam CDS, Malappuram

8. Best CDS-Convergence Activities, Unique Activities, Administration-Microfinance Activities

First Place: Cheruvathoor CDS, Kasaragod

Second Place: Aryanad CDS, Thiruvananthapuram

Third Place: Varavoor CDS, Thrissur

9. Best CDS-Social Development, Gender

First Place: Varavoor CDS, Thrissur

Second Place: Kinanoor Karinthalam CDS, Kasaragod

Third Place: Kavilumpara CDS, Kozhikode

10. Best CDS-Tribal Activities

First Place: Marayoor CDS, Idukki

Second Place: Thirunelly CDS, Wayanad

11. Best CDS- Agriculture Sector, Animal Husbandry

First Place: Varavoor CDS, Thrissur

Second Place: Bedadukka CDS, Kasaragod

Third Place: Valakom CDS, Ernakulam

12. Best CDS- Non Farm Livelihood (Micro Enterprise, DDU-GKY, K-DISC)

First Place: Mariyapuram CDS, Idukki

Second Place: Muttil CDS, Wayanad

Third Place: Sasthamcotta CDS, Kollam

13. Best BUDS Institution

First Place: Pazhassi Raja BUDS School, Mattannur CDS, Kannur

Second Place: BUDS Paradise Special School, Thirunelly Wayanad

Third Place: Spectrum Special School, Marancherry CDS, Malappuram

14. Best Gender Resource Centre

First Place: Vazhayoor GRC, Vazhayoor CDS, Malappuram

Second Place: Nanniyode GRC, Nanniyode CDS, Thiruvananthapuram

Third Place: Pallippuram GRC, Pallippuram CDS, Ernakulam

15. Best Snehitha

First Place: Malappuram

Second Place: Thrissur

Third Place: Thiruvananthapuram

16. Best District Mission

First Place: Kollam

Second Place: Thrissur

Third Place: Ernakulam & Wayanad

17. District that carried out Best Public Relation Activities

First Place: Kollam

Second Place: Thrissur

Third Place: Ernakulam

The State Level Award Selection Committee, chaired by the Special Secretary of the Local Self Government Department and convened by the Executive Director of Kudumbashree, selected the state level winners in various categories. The District Level Award Selection Committee, chaired by a member of the Kudumbashree Governing Body and the respective District Mission Coordinators as the Working Chairmen had selected the winners in the district level.

The awards for Best CDS (5 categories), Best BUDS Institution, Best Snehitha, Best GRC, Best District Mission, and the District that carried out Best Public Relations Activities have been decided based on the activities of the financial year 2023-24. The Awards for Best Neighborhood Group, Best Auxiliary Group, Best ADS, Best Ooru Samithi, Best Enterprise, Best Auxiliary Group Enterprise, and Best Entrepreneur have considered the activities of the financial years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24.

The award selection process has been completed at three levels: block, district and state level. The award nominations from CDSs have been examined by the primary screening committee based on the criteria and nominations that have scored more than 50% marks have been considered at the block level.

The State-Level Award selection was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, the sub-committees comprising the State Mission Programme Officer/State Programme Manager and the Chairman, along with subject matter experts, scrutinized the documents based on the application criteria, analyzed the presentations on the activities, recorded the marks and submitted them to the State-Level Award Selection Committee.

In the second phase, the State-Level Award Selection Committee comprising the Local Self-Government Department Special Secretary Chairman, Kudumbashree Executive Director, Kudumbashree Executive Committee Member, and State Mission Program Officer analyzed the marks prepared and submitted by the sub-committees and determined the final winners.

H. Dineshan IAS, Executive Director, Kudumbashree, Geetha Nazeer, Member, Kudumbashree Governing Body, Shyam Kumar K.U, Programme Officer, Kudumbashree also took part in the Press Meet.

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Kudumbashree Awards 2025: State Level Awards Announced

Cafe Kudumbashree Premium Restaurant opened in Kollam

Kollam district also become part of Kudumbashree's premium restaurant chain, which provides all kinds of modern facilities to the public. The official inauguration of Cafe Kudumbashree Premium Restaurant was performed by K.N. Balagopal, Minister of Finance, Government of Kerala at Vetamukku Junction in Panmana Grama Panchayat, Kollam on 6 May 2025. This is the eleventh premium restaurant launched by Kudumbashree. Cafe Kudumbashree Premium Restaurant is currently operating in Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

The specialty of the Premium Restaurant opened in Kollam is the dishes that emphasize the local flavor of Kollam. Ashtamudi Prachi Curry, Kanambu Mappas, Kallummakaya Mappas, Ashtamudi Karimeen Pollichathu, Chippi Roast, Kanava 23, Shrimp Malhar, and Special Desinganadu Fish Sadya including four types of fish, prawns, and crab are available here. There are also vegetarian meals, fish curry meals, sadya, biryani, Arabian, and Chinese dishes. It has a capacity for 82 people to eat at a time. It also has a feeding room, good washrooms, and parking.

The cafe is operated by the Insight Activity Group of Panmana Panchayat. 38 people from NHG families in Chavara, Thevalakkara and Panmana grama panchayats are getting a livelihood opportunity through the restaurant.

Sujith Vijayan Pillai, MLA, Chavara constituency presided over the inaugural ceremony. Dr. P.K. Gopan, President, District Panchayat and T. Manoharan, Chairman, Matsyafed were the Chief Guests of the function. Santosh Thuppassery, President, Chavara Block Panchayat, Sreekala. P, President, Panmana Grama Panchayat, Adv. C.P. Sudheesh Kumar, S. Soman, Members, Kollam District Panchayat, Seenath, Chavara Block Panchayat Member and Rajeev Kunjumani, Member, Panmana Grama Panchayat spoke at the function. Dr. Anchal Krishnakumar, Public Relations Officer, Kudumbashree, Ramya Sunith, Chairperson, Panmana CDS, Aneesa. A, Ratheesh. R, Assistant District Mission Coordinators, Kudumbashree Kollam District Mission, Vishnu Prasad, District Programme Manager, Kudumbashree Kollam District Mission were also present at the function. Vimal Chandran. R, District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kollam District Mission welcomed the gathering and Unmesh. B, Assistant District Mission Coordinator, Kudumbashree Kollam District Mission delivered the vote of thanks.

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Cafe Kudumbashree Premium Restaurant opened in Kollam

Trainees of Veloor BRC enjoys Thrissur Pooram with the District Collector

None of the trainees at the Kudumbashree Thalir BUDS Rehabilitation Centre under the Veloor Grama Panchayat in Thrissur have slept the night before Thrissur Pooram Day. It was the day when all of them fulfilled their dream of being a part of the world-famous Thrissur Pooram, where thousands flock to their hometowns, at least once.

A 40-member group consisting of BRC trainees, parents and members of the Veloor Grama Panchayat Administrative Committee came to Thrissur to participate in the Pooram. Earlier, in a meeting with Arjun Pandian IAS, District Collector, the BRC trainees were given the opportunity to enjoy the Pooram smoothly as requested by the trainees.

From the time the trainees arrived in Pooram Nagari till their return, the Collector and his team were with the trainees and provided them with all the facilities they needed. V.S. Prince, President, District Panchayat also met the trainees. The trainees of BRC did not forget to thank the Collector for taking the initiative and joining them in making their dream come true despite the busy schedule.

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Trainees of Veloor BRC enjoys Thrissur Pooram with the District Collectoren

90,237 houses completed in the state through Kudumbashree

As part of the PMAY (U) LIFE scheme being implemented in the state through Kudumbashree, the construction of 90,237 houses has been completed.

The central government has approved the construction of 1,27,048 houses across the state. For this, Rs. 2124.68 crores have been sanctioned till date, including central and state share. Out of the approved houses, the construction of 90,237 houses have been completed so far.

The construction of the remaining 36,811 houses will also be completed soon. With this, the dream of owning a house for 1,27,048 homeless beneficiaries will become a reality.

The project also paves the way for many homeless families to live with dignity in the society by providing them with secure and habitable houses.

This achievement is due to Kudumbashree working as the nodal agency under the joint auspices of the central and state governments and municipalities.

With the aim of 'Housing for All', the project is being implemented in all 93 urban local bodies in the state in collaboration with LIFE Mission. The projects have been approved by including them in the Beneficiary Led Construction Component.

Under the PMAY (Urban) LIFE scheme, homeless families with an annual income of less than Rs three lakhs will get Rs four lakh for the construction of houses through the project. Out of this, Rs 2 lakhs is provided by the municipality and Rs 50,000 is provided by the state government. Therefore, a total of Rs 2,50,000 is provided by the state government. Rs 1.5 lakhs is the central share.

The Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme, a sub-component of the PMAY (Urban) LIFE Scheme, has also helped the beneficiaries to acquire their own homes. Under this, the beneficiaries will be provided with loans from the bank to construct or purchase their own houses. Till date, 32,651 families have been provided with such loans.

Kudumbashree had also obtained permission to construct 11 housing complexes comprising 970 units for the landless and homeless in collaboration with LIFE Mission. Out of these, the construction of 530 units has been completed. The construction of the remaining units is progressing rapidly.

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90,237 houses completed in the state through Kudumbashreeen